Here’s to Enjoying a Swedish Fika

Summary

The website content discusses the Swedish tradition of Fika, a coffee break that emphasizes relaxation and connection.

Abstract

The article introduces the concept of a Swedish Fika, a cultural practice involving a break with coffee and sweets, often enjoyed in nature or with colleagues. The author experienced Fika firsthand during a trip to Odeshog, Sweden, and emphasizes its benefits for mental well-being and productivity. Fika is described as an opportunity to pause, reflect, and engage with others, contrasting with the workaholic American lifestyle that lacks such breaks. The author encourages readers to share their experiences with mid-day coffee breaks from different cultures and expresses a personal appreciation for the Fika tradition.

Opinions

The author values the Swedish Fika tradition as a means to recharge and connect with oneself and others.
Fika is seen as a healthier alternative to the American work culture, which often neglects regular breaks.
The author found the Fika experience relaxing and enjoyable, especially in the peaceful setting of the Swedish countryside.
There is an invitation for readers to reflect on and share their experiences with cultural coffee breaks, indicating a belief in the universality and benefits of such practices.

What is a Fika? How will it benefit you?

The Swedes have this afternoon thing going on that I learned about firsthand when I went to Sweden in 2019. I went there for the ATTA (Adventure Travel Trade Association) on a 10-day adventure that included a Fam Trip. It was on the Fam (familiarization) trip that I experienced a Swedish Fika. (pronounced FEE-KAH)

There were 7of us on this side trip to explore the countryside of Odeshog, Sweden which you can read about here. We were out in nature, very close to Lake Vattern. It was relaxing, peaceful and I enjoyed it very much. I would do it again as a personal road trip with my family.

One day we had just finished a really healthy nice lunch at the Stocklycke Café. After some mild hiking we departed this lovely area and headed out for more adventure.

Our Swedish guide who owns her own tour company, told us we would be stopping for the Fika next. We were excited but wondering what it meant. She said she would explain it soon.

Stopping by the side of a simple dirt road, we helped her unpack with a wicker basket of goodies. Inside was the secret to the afternoon Fika. It was coffee and sweets! The word Fika in Swedish translates to Coffee.

Basically it is about making time in the day to connect with yourself and others with you, or in the workplace. It’s a moment to recharge with a robust coffee and maybe a sweet treat. It gives you pause to reflect on your day and just catch your breath especially if you’ve been busy. Does that sound appealing to you?

kindling for the fire. Credit: Valerie Delzer

Crouching around the cozy fire. Credit: Valerie Delzer

Fikas can last as little as 20 minutes or up to several hours. It depends on where and who you are with. Ours lasted for about 45 minutes near a forest of trees so it was nice to hear the wind whisper through the pines lending a relaxing vibe to the stop.

The benefits of a daily Fika break are completely understandable. It makes sense to take a break. I used to be a workaholic back in the days when I actually had to go into an office. We barely had time to take breaks. But that’s the American lifestyle, all work and hardly any time to pause and reset.

What other cultures do you know about that have a traditional coffee break mid-day? Leave a comment if you have ever experienced a Swedish Fika yourself. Thanks for reading!